self-disclosure

what is self-disclosure?

revealing personal information about yourself

• encourages reciprocal disclosure in romantic relationships

what is breath and depth in terms of self-disclosure?

• depth - sharing a lot of information on one aspect of themselves

• breadth - sharing a variety of information on different aspects

what does the social penetration theory suggest?

the process of self-disclosure allows someone to penetrate deeper into their partner’s life

what is the theory of reciprocity of self-disclosure?

for a relationship to develop, there needs to be an increase in breadth and depth and a reciprocal element to disclosure

what supporting research is there for self-disclosure?

• Laurenceau asked participants to write daily diary entries about progress in their relationships

• found self disclosure and perception of disclosure in a partner led to greater feelings of intimacy in a couple

• this real-life application increased ecological validity of self-disclosure

what us the weakness of self-disclosure?

• cultural bias present

• social penetration theory based on research in a western individualist culture

• people in more collectivist cultures, e.g. in China, disclosed less sexual thoughts and feelings in a relationship

• however relationship satisfaction was high in both cultures - self disclosure isn’t a requirement for successful relationships